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Prior to the start of the 2013 NFL free agency period, many expected Wes Welker, whose contract was set to expire, to remain in New England. But that may not happen. ESPN's Adam Schefter blew the top off the Welker rumors with this report:
Filed to ESPN: Broncos in serious talks, trying to hammer out an agreement with Patriots WR Wes Welker. Decision expected today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013
With one decision, Wes Welker can help shape the balance of power in the AFC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013
it's unclear where the Patriots stand in the negotiations, whether the two sides are communicating. But this would obviously be a major move by the Broncos. Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe reports that the Broncos previously indicated they didn't think Welker was a fit.
If Welker-Broncos report from @adamschefter is true, it's a stark change from where they were a few weeks ago. Didn't think he was a fit
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) March 13, 2013
SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit, writes:
The Broncos, along with the Ravens (although maybe not with their roster overhaul), are widely considered the biggest threats to the Patriots in the AFC in 2013. Giving them their Hall of Fame quarterback the Patriots' Hall of Fame Quarterback's favorite target would certainly provide an edge to the Broncos.
More Broncos free agency discussion can be found at MHR's open thread.